Students in middle school should be afforded the opportunity to learn about pathways to jobs, according to Carlos Moreno, co-executive director, Big Picture Learning.

WorkingNation sat down with Moreno at SXSW EDU 2023 in Austin.

He says those introductions cannot be limited to ‘isolated silo’ experiences. “We’re talking about bringing the professionals in to share their excitement and passion. And a bit of their stories connected to how they got to where they are.”

Moreno says access to experiential learning is also important. “What’s the continuous thread of these experiences that young people have? It helps demystify what they might believe a place is, and if they could even see themselves there, right? It breaks down perceptions. I believe it deeply starts breaking down barriers. I think it builds, without question, social capital.”

Learn more about Big Picture Learning.